Collaborative online gaming system and method

ABSTRACT

A system, method, and computer program product for collaborative online gaming, including at least one of providing a central repository master browser system; providing an experience calibrated match-making service; providing a dynamic multiplayer server component auto deployment and aggregation system; providing a lobby centric simultaneous and collaborative client game play launching feature; and providing a video game screen over-layer technology giving users access to a control interface while inside a video game being played.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57 and made apart of this specification.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to online gaming systems andmethods, and more particularly to an improved collaborative onlinegaming system and method.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, online gaming systems and methods have been developed.However, the present online gaming systems and methods do not providerobust collaborative online gaming.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Therefore, there is a need for a method and system for a collaborativeonline gaming that addresses problems with conventional online gamingsystems and methods. The above and other needs are addressed by theexemplary embodiments of the present invention, which provide a novelcollaborative online gaming system and method.

Accordingly, in exemplary aspects of the present invention, a system,method, and computer program product for collaborative online gaming areprovided. The system, method, and computer program product can includeat least one of providing a central repository master browser system;providing an experience calibrated match-making service; providing adynamic multiplayer server component auto deployment and aggregationsystem; providing a lobby centric simultaneous and collaborative clientgame play launching feature; and providing a video game screenover-layer technology giving users access to a control interface whileinside a video game being played

Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present inventionare readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply byillustrating a number of exemplary embodiments and implementations,including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the presentinvention. The present invention also is capable of other and differentembodiments, and its several details can be modified in variousrespects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regardedas illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way ofexample, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of theaccompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer tosimilar elements and in which:

FIGS. 1-40 illustrate a collaborative online gaming system and method,according to exemplary embodiments; and

FIGS. 41-82 further illustrate the collaborative online gaming systemand method of FIGS. 1-40, according to further exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and moreparticularly to FIGS. 1-82 thereof, there is illustrated a novelcollaborative online gaming system and method, according to exemplaryembodiments of the present invention.

The exemplary embodiments are directed to a novel collaborative onlinegaming system and method (e.g., referred to as GameCenter, PlayLinc, andOrion Framework), including a multi-player gaming platform with gamingcontent functionality, gaming community functionality, and the like. Theexemplary system and method can be adapted with various versions, forexample, including a Verizon version available to Verizon users, and thelike, respective versions licensed to 3^(rd) parties, who can operatethe exemplary system and method in a private label manner, and the like.

Exemplary Ways to Get into a Game

Using the game set up tools from the exemplary system and method, amember can invite others to join him in launching a game. He can do soby dragging people from his buddy list, from the chat room associatedwith the game, and the like.

Invites go out and those who accept go into a lobby. There's a countdownand game play begins by starting the game application together with theplayers in the lobby.

Dedicated (e.g., operated by the exemplary system and method) dynamicgame server. This need not be a P2P server like the Diablo/Halo 2example below and need not be a static server operated by Verizon (e.g.,need not be a single physical box running a set game server instance).This dynamic element distinguishes the exemplary system and methodinfrastructure from others—the exemplary system and method need notdedicate servers to a specific game or set of game instances.

The exemplary system and method can use servers dynamically based onwhat gainers want to do at any given time. The exemplary system andmethod can shift an in-process game from one server to another, theexemplary system and method can have 10 servers playing 1 game (multipleinstances per server) or 1 server playing 5 games (5 instances perserver). All of this can be dynamically controlled by the exemplarysystem and method with such controls transparent to the gamer(s). Gamersvia the exemplary system and method also have the opportunity toconfigure the style of servers they want to play, and the launching ofnew server instances can happen on demand (e.g., in about 20 secondsafter the user hits Go).

Side Door Entrance into In-Progress Game

As is the case with multi-player gaming platform, a user can use a“player matching” utility to see where a particular game is beingplayed. There are tons of player matching utilities available, includingfrom within a multi-player game itself and the exemplary system andmethod includes a matching utility. The matching utility need notinvolve the use of a “buddy list” or instant messaging (I.M.)functionality. By contrast, the matching utility of the exemplary systemand method can give a gamer a list of games being played on servers ofthe exemplary system and method and elsewhere. Once the gamer finds aninstance of the game he's looking for, he can join that game, whereverit might be.

Side Door Entrance #2 to In-Progress Game

Using the buddy list that resides of the exemplary system and method, agamer can see the server his buddy last went to. He can then go to aserver list of the exemplary system and method and click to enter thatserver himself. This capability can be implemented for dynamic serversof the exemplary system and method, as well as any suitable server(e.g., of the exemplary system and method, external, etc.) that a user'sfriends connect to via the exemplary system and method.

Also, what the buddy list can show is the last server that the buddywent to from the exemplary system and method. If that buddy has leftthat server and moved on to another without using the exemplary systemand method's matching tools to do so (e.g., if the buddy has used theplayer matching utility inside his game instead), then a gamer of theexemplary system and method need not see the new server info (e.g., theexemplary system and method can track which server a gamer has gone tofrom the exemplary system and method's matching tool). This is differentfrom Xfire/Yahoo, since Xfire/Yahoo puts a tag on the game itself andtracks where the gamer and his game goes—so Xfire/Yahoo can definitelytrack from server to server to server.

Further exemplary embodiments, however, allow a gamer to see on hisbuddy list what server his buddy is on even if that server isn't aserver of the exemplary system and method. This allows the gamer to seewhere his buddy is even if his buddy is out on a server on the Internetthat isn't a server of the exemplary system and method. The exemplarysystem and method then can be configured to let the gamer click on theserver that isn't a server of the exemplary system and method in anadjacent server list to join that server.

With Xfire/Yahoo, new or late joiner can look at his Buddy List (I.M.client) to see what his friend(s) are playing. By clicking on thelocation shown next to a buddy, the new player is transported to theserver where his buddy is playing the game. Xfire does not operate anyservers itself. Xfire's/Yahoo's method may rely on monitoring thenetwork stack or the game application. This information is then eithersent peer-to-peer (push) to a user's buddy list, received peer-to-peer(pull) on a buddy's request, or stored in a central database. Xfire alsoincludes a generic player matching utility that allows a user to seewhere certain games are being played on the Internet. The user can clickon one of these servers and be transported to it to enter the game onthat server's terms.

However, unlike the technology of the exemplary system and method,Xfire's/Yahoo's technology places a “tag” on a user's game software whenthat game software is opened from within (or in connection with the useof) Xfire. This enables the user to be tracked from server to server aslong as the game is open. By contrast, the technology of the exemplarysystem and method tracks a user's activity by recording the last serverthe user went to from within the exemplary system and method. Forexample, if a user of the exemplary system and method opens Half-Life 2while using the exemplary system and method and goes to a particularserver, the exemplary system and method tracks that move. But if thatuser then leaves that server and goes to another server on his ownserver without using the exemplary system and method, then the exemplarysystem and method need not track that move. However, with Xfire/Yahoothe tag is attached to the game, so Xfire's application sees that beaconregardless of whether the gamer chooses a new server through Xfire.

With peer-to-peer games (e.g., Starcraft, Halo 2), users go to agame-specific “lobby” (e.g., such as with Diablo for PC from 1996, Halo2 for Xbox from 2004, etc.), where they congregate, get a grouptogether, and then launch game play on a server running on one of theplayers PCs (or Xboxes). While getting into a lobby might involve abuddy list, the buddy list isn't used to join the server itself. Gamersfind their friends in the lobby by chance or because they havecommunicated using tools not related to the game-specific lobby.

Depending on the nature of the game (e.g., client-server type games),late comers can join a game in progress by using a standard playermatching service/application to find a game in progress. For example,with client-server games (e.g., PC action games like Quake from 1996 orHalf-Life 2 from 2004), the hosting gamer starts a game server on aphysical box he owns (e.g., on a home or office network) or leases(e.g., via various services). As a part of the game's code, the hostedgame server reports to a game publisher's (or e.g., GameSpy's) masterserver that the game server is available, so that the game serverappears in the lists of the many server browser applications that areavailable (e.g., as 3^(rd) party applications or built into the gameapplication). Then, via a server browser or by telling friends thespecific IP address, other players join the hosted game server and playfor an indefinite period (e.g., maps can rotate, modes can changewithout players being disconnected and reconnected). Theseconfigurations work with large numbers of players (e.g., 16-128). Bycontrast, the exemplary system and method provides lobbies beforestarting a game server of the above type.

Overview

The are well recognized providers of gaming content (e.g., Verizon,Gamespot, etc.) that includes gaming related reviews, previews,downloads and patches, as well as specialty video and other gamingcontent and which can be included with the exemplary system and method.The exemplary system and method also employs well established providersof backend infrastructure and support for high speed online multiplayervideo gaming with contracts with the vast majority of the topdevelopers. and publishers of multiplayer video games (e.g., SCI, etc.).The exemplary system and method provides a turnkey, full featured gamingapplication, available for free including premium services on a monthlysubscription basis, primarily for the broadband, hardware, portal andpublisher distribution channel. The exemplary system and method allowsgamers to join or start a high-speed dynamically customized server forany suitable game at any suitable time, as well as providing multipleother features and vast gaming content.

Content providers (e.g., Verizon, Gamespot, etc.) can bring to theirversion of the exemplary system and method content on a real-time ornear real-time basis, while the providers of backend infrastructure andsupport (e.g., SCI, etc.) bring to the exemplary system and methodbackend infrastructure for gameplay, including dynamic customizedconfigurable game servers over a wide variety of popular gaming titles.Accordingly, the exemplary system and method, advantageously, providesvarious features, including buddy lists, team management, instantmessaging, multiplexed chat, general and in-game menu and VOID, dynamicserver launching with invite to play features, QuickPlay, experiencelevels and statistics, and a number of other features that effectivelymake the exemplary system and method a one-click, on the desktopdestination for gamers—an OS for gaming.

When the exemplary system and method is first launched, it runs a quickscan to find all of the games currently installed on the PC, as aconvenience factor to immediately prepare the application's gamingfeatures for the games that the user already has installed. Uponsubsequent launch, the exemplary system and method can automaticallyupdate itself if a newer client of the exemplary system and method isavailable, and can quickly rescan the version of the games that arealready installed in order to prompt the gamer if any of their currentgames need to be updated or patched.

Homepage (FIGS. 1-3, and 41-44)

After a secure login (FIG. 41), the Main homepage (FIGS. 1-2, and 42-44)of the exemplary system and method can be presented. The Main homepagecan be minimized on to the desktop (FIG. 44). The exemplary system andmethod makes the most of the homepage by promoting the latest content,announce upcoming events (e.g., tournaments), announcing new features,targeting the most popular games, and the like. The latest news also canbe presented and full news stories are available with a single click.GameCenter and VGN (Verizon Game Network) are both first iterations ofthe technology of the exemplary system and method.

The homepage can also provide a window to the competitive landscape(FIG. 3) in the exemplary system and method, with player and teamleader-boards for popular games and can also allow a gamer to jumpstraight into a game.

Top Menu (FIGS. 4-8)

The top menu of the exemplary system and method provides one integratedmethod of navigation. However, there are multiple methods of navigationthrough the exemplary system and method.

Game Info (FIGS. 9-11 and 52-54)

The game info page (FIGS. 9-10 and 52) has deep content on all coveredgames and due to the magnitude of content available, incorporates asearch function for locating a particular game. If, for example, asearch for Doom3 is made, the exemplary system and method brings up thedetailed game information for that game.

From the information page, the gamer can access various content relatedto the game (FIGS. 11, 53-54), including high-quality video's, availabledownloads, game strategy, and the like. The exemplary system and methodalso can include various licensed file libraries (e.g., some 12,000downloads and over 26,000 movies) and also can includes free demos, gameupdates, other content, and the like, that the gamer can use for gamingeither in multi-player or single-player gaming.

Gamers also can order games from certified online merchants or downloadtry-and-buy, on-demand game trials. But the exemplary system and methodis much more than a really cool Web browser.

Game List (FIGS. 12-15, and 46-51)

The games list (FIGS. 12-13, and 46-51) helps the gamer keep track ofboth games that they already have installed, as well as games they havebookmarked as Favorites. For example, a gamer can easily add Doom3 tothe favorite's section with one click.

From the Gameslist, it is a matter of only one or two clicks to eithergame info or gameplay features, respectively (FIG. 14). More advancedfeatures are available in a right-click menu (FIG. 15).

Chat (FIGS. 16-17, and 52)

Before jumping into a game, the exemplary system and method allows thegamer to see who they'll be playing with by entering a general chatchannel or a chat channel provided for each game (FIGS. 16 and 52). Chatis fully multiplexed and is integrated with the gameplay component sothat players can chat before and after gameplay. Additionally, once thegamer meets other players in the chat channel, they can use aright-click menu to invite them to a private instant messaging session,to join their buddy list or a number of other features (FIG. 17).

Buddy List (FIGS. 18 and 45)

Once a gamer meets and chats with other players, they can begin topopulate their buddy list. The exemplary system and method provides fullbuddy list management. From the buddy list, the user can, through aright-click menu, follow a buddy into an active game, open an instantmessage session, open a voice channel, look at the buddy's profile andstatistics, invite their buddy to join the gamer's team, and the like.

The exemplary system and method also provides necessary tools for teammanagement, including a dedicated group within the buddy list for teammembers. The exemplary system and method also provides full featuredmultiplexed voice support. While typing with active gamers in either achat channel or in instant messaging sessions is one way to connect,sometimes it is preferable to communicate hands-free. While theexemplary system and method's voice support is primarily intended forin-game communication, it is also available for peer-to-peer, teamconferences or for users of the exemplary system and method to talk toeach other, even when they are playing proprietary games, likesubscriber MMORPGs that may not be supported inside of the exemplarysystem and method. Advantageously, on-game menus are still availablenonetheless.

Gameplay (FIGS. 19-21 and 55-57)

With the gameplay component of the exemplary system and method, a doubleclick on an installed game from the gameslist takes the gamer to themasterbrowser and information section for that game (FIGS. 19 and55-57). The masterbrowser of the exemplary system and method can providethe same type of information and functionality as game specific or thirdparty masterbrowsers. The masterbrowser for any particular game can showthe games currently running inside of the exemplary system and methodbackend, as well as 1,000's of external servers across the Internet. Themasterbrowser also can provide more specific information on any serverthe gamer is interested in (FIGS. 20 and 56).

For example, when entering the masterbrowser for America's Army, thegamer also is: placed in the chat channel specific to America's Army.The America's Army servers running inside of the exemplary system andmethod are at the top of the masterbrowser and that they reflect a“skill level” like the levels in a single player game, the exemplarysystem and method captures the gameplay skill and experience of playersin-game and maintains an increasing or decreasing skill level for thatparticular player, based on how well and how often that they play thegame online, advantageously, breeding extreme brand loyalty.

Because the exemplary system and method knows who each of the registeredusers is, and what they do after they log into the exemplary system andmethod, the exemplary system and method is able to capture their onlinegameplay experience and provide an experience level for all registeredusers of the exemplary system and method in all games that they play.Therefore, when a registered user of the exemplary system and methodbrings up the masterbrowser for any supported game, the exemplary systemand method can judge, based on the players experience in that gameversus the average aggregate experience of the players already in thatgame server, where the user is most likely to have a positivecompetitive experience.

Although the exemplary system and method is suitable for first personshooter games, like America's Army, because of their popularity, thegenre and platforms of the games supported by the exemplary system andmethod can include sports, simulations, RPG, RTS, MMORPG, Console basedgames and the like. Advantageously, the exemplary system and method cansupport such a positive game player experience across all supported gametitles and game types and platforms (e.g., PSP, PS2, PS3, XBOX, XBOX360,Nintendo GameCube, PC, etc.)

The user of the exemplary system and method can enter any of the gamesin the masterbrowser or they can dynamically start their own gameserver, customizing it to their own specifications and, even invitingothers to play with them if they so choose (FIG. 21).

It is this technology of the exemplary system and method that mosteasily separates the gameplay inside of the exemplary system and methodfrom any other available online. It is also this technology, and itsresultant highly efficient use of the exemplary system and method'spowerful game servers that allows the exemplary system and method tooffer such a turnkey product for free and its premium services at amonthly subscription price point that can be very attractive todistribution partners.

Launch Server (FIGS. 22-19 and 58-66)

As the gamer begins to launch their custom server, they can choose froma number of pre-configured settings, choose one that they havepreviously set up and saved, set up all new configurations, and the like(FIGS. 22-23, 58-60 and 63-64). After the map, mode and other settingshave been chosen, the user can either launch the server directly or theycan invite some of their friends into the game at the same time (FIGS.24-26, 61 and 64).

Dragging players from the buddy list allows the gamer to place them onone team or the other. As the gamer invites his friends (FIGS. 27-28, 61and 64), they receive a bubbleup message that they have been invited tothe lobby to launch a game.

As they accept, the gamer will be able to tell on the launch screen thatthey have accepted (FIGS. 29, 61 and 64). Once several of the playershave accepted, the gamer can start the launch countdown. That includeseither building the high-speed server the user has chosen on backendservers of the exemplary system and method (FIGS. 58 and 62), orestablishing a LAN like interlink (FIGS. 64-65) that allows forpeer-to-peer game-play virtually over the internet from the users ownmachine.

After the hosted high-speed server has been built (FIG. 62) or the GameArea Network (GAN) has been initiated (FIG. 65), all of the players thathave accepted the invitation to play can see the same countdown screen(FIG. 66), and at the end of the countdown all of the players can bedrawn into the game at the same time. At the same time that the playersare drawn into the game, they are also dropped into a voice or multiplevoice channels, as controlled by the player launching the game,providing for automatic in-game voice capability for any supported game.While an invitation and launch feature may have been available on alimited basis for peer-to-peer games, the exemplary system and methodfor the first time provides such a feature for multi-player onlinegaming. At the end of the game, the chat and voice channels can remainopen so that the players can discuss the game that they have justplayed, adding to the sense of community in the exemplary system andmethod.

Profile (FIGS. 30-31 and 72-74) and Team Management (FIGS. 78-79)

For both individual users and teams, the exemplary system and method canmaintain a profile (FIG. 30). The profile allows users and teams tocommunicate with the other registered users of the exemplary system andmethod and also allows them to gauge and track their own successes.Players and teams also can establish message boards, collect trophies,provide other customizable information, and the like.

Profiles also can lead into Leaderboards and Tournaments. Again, becausethe exemplary system and method keeps track of the experience level ofplayers and teams, tournaments can be tailored for any experience level(FIG. 31). The team management Screen (FIGS. 78-79) provides the abilityfor a user to create teams, clans or guilds on the fly, or become amember of another team by invitations. The Team management screen alsoallows the user to assign access rights to the members of the team bypromoting a member from “Recruit” to “Officer”. This gives access tofunctions like the Team specific forum controls, VOIP administratorcontrols and the ability to control the high-speed game server controls(e.g., Remote Server Control (RCON), etc.).

Forums (FIGS. 32-33 and 77)

As a further community feature, the exemplary system and method supportsa full message board system (FIGS. 32 and 77, e.g., built on theflexible SCI customized forums engine). Forums can be specific to theexemplary system and method, but any registered user of the exemplarysystem and method also has access to the broader forums available, forexample, at publishers directly (FIG. 33). The Team based forums are forinter-team communication and allows a group (e.g., team, clan or guild,etc.) to keep communication between the members.

Other Features (FIGS. 75-76 and 80-82)

The exemplary system and method includes further features, including amessage center (FIGS. 75-76), and application stetting for voice (FIG.80), game display names (FIG. 81), server browser settings (FIG. 82),and the like.

The Orion Framework of the Exemplary System and Method (FIGS. 34-40 and67-71)

The exemplary system and method framework can be included as part of thebackend and can include:

a central repository master browser system (FIG. 34);

an experience calibrated match-making service (FIGS. 35-38);

a dynamic multiplayer server component auto deployment and aggregationsystem (FIG. 39, e.g., self created servers on the fly);

a lobby centric simultaneous and collaborative client game playlaunching feature working across all suitable multiplayer games (FIG.40); and

a video game screen over-layer technology or “On-game Menu System”giving users access to a variety of control interfaces while inside thevideo game (FIGS. 67-71), and the like.

The exemplary system and method framework puts several technologies inhands of gamers to get into the best game for them and gets them into itfaster. By contrast, background art systems include:

mesh querying systems with every user scanning all systems to getinformation;

random matching systems based on time and distance (e.g., ping orlatency);

static servers controlled by provider or complicated direct serveraccess to setup and launch dedicated or similar servers; and

in game match system with peer-to-peer play.

However, the exemplary system and method framework is much more advancedand works across all suitable games. Advantageously, the exemplarysystem and method framework brings several advancements to online gameplay by allowing users to interact with each other on all points of thegame play on an integrated platform, instead of having to coble togethervarious 3^(rd) party solutions that are often incompatible.

Central Repository Master Browser System (FIG. 34) Client Master BrowserScreen 3402

The client master browser screen 3402 can be configured as grid thatshows information about game-servers 3414 both inside and outside of theexemplary system and method framework. From the master browser 3402 theend-user can access servers 3414 upon viewing current information aboutthe chosen server (e.g., whether dedicated or not).

Secure NET and C++ Data Components 3404

The secure C++ and NET component 3404 can be configured as a highlypre-compiled compact binary file that includes information relevant tothe chosen game type. The NET component 3404 can be optimized to displaythe requested data at speeds, for example, up to 125 times faster thanother master browser systems.

The Proxy System Proxy Array 3406

The proxy array 3406 can be configured as front line servers fordirecting traffic from a NET or C++ (QT) based client. The proxy array3406 can be configured for handling massive amounts of traffic based onthe direct support of hardware platforms (e.g., SSL load balancers, SSLaccelerators, and the like). The proxy array 3406 can serve as aninterface for the outside world to share data with—in essence thedoorway to Orion.

C++ and .NET Compressor 3408

The NET or C++ Binary compressor 3408 can include a set of units formaking the correct data-base calls and compressing the XML stream to anADO or binary object ready for the Orion proxy array 3406 to use for thecomponent 3404 transmission. The component 3404 can be stored in memoryfor delivery and is updated, for example, every 2-5 min.

DB Platform 3410

The database (DB) platform 3410 together with AMS can be configured asthe brain of the exemplary system and method. Data relevant to the usersof the exemplary system and method can be stored in the databaseplatform 3410. The database platform 3410, for example, can beconfigured to provide up to 3000 transactions per second per node, andcan be top tuned for the Orion network.

Information Retrieval Systems Game Server Scanners 3412

The game server scanners 3412 can be configured to perform the heavyduty probing action needed to retrieve the data that the end-usersemploy to determine which server 3414 to join. The game server scanners3412 can perform requests to game servers 3414 worldwide and retrievethe corresponding data when responses are received. The game serverscanners 3412 can receive information about where to go from thelocation information database 3416 that in turn gets its informationfrom the network sniffers 3418-3422.

Location Information DB 3416

The location information database 3416 can be configured to perform thejob of maintaining known IP addresses of game servers 3414 worldwide.For example, there can be between 100,000 and 500,000 IP addresses thatare tracked and mapped. As the amount of games available in the OrionNetwork grows, so does the amount of IP addresses that the locationinformation database 3416 can keep track of.

Sniffers 3418-3422

The network sniffers 3418-3422 can be configured as servers programmedwith different sets of logic or which can operate for each other, if sochosen by the Orion Framework.

Broad Network Layer 3-7/IDS Interface 3418

The broadband network interface 3418 interacts with the networks thatthe exemplary system and method is connected to. For example, if theexemplary system and method has a network known as a “last mileprovider” (e.g., a broadband network) interlinked with the Orion core,the exemplary system and method can with the networks permission, querythe network for type of traffic matching the exemplary system andmethod's predefined tables over game traffic. The exemplary system andmethod then can probe addresses that have several IP addresses sendingtraffic to their location. In other words, the exemplary system andmethod can have a threshold for traffic to a specific IP, with aspecific known port pattern used, and the exemplary system and methodcan then probe to confirm/disprove a match of a running game server.

Public Master Browser Interface (Publishers/Developers) 3420

The public master browser interface 3420 can be programmed to interfacedirectly with dedicated master servers that hold information about thegame that they act as central hub for. In this case, the exemplarysystem and method attaches every X seconds and retrieves a full list ofthe IP addresses of the games servers 3414. There can be many suchmaster browsers 3420 in operation and the Orion Framework can link upwith them.

IP Range Scanner (and UDP Spiders/Crawlers) 3422

The IP range scanner interface 3422 can be configured to detect multipleIP addresses that originate on the same Class of IP addresses. Forexample, if IP range scanner 3422 detects more than 2 of a same gametype or 3 of any of the known games on the same Class C (e.g., alsoknown as /24 or the 255 addresses in an octet from IP ranges X.X.X.Ywhere Y is a Class C). The spiders and crawlers can be configured assmall .programs that do the same job as the IP range scanner 3422,except elsewhere on remote systems. In the exemplary system and method,a user can add an IP to favorites and Orion can be notified and proceedto scan that IP for information.

Experience Calibrated Match-Making Service (FIGS. 35-38) Game Servers3414

The game servers 3414 can include computers at the homes of theend-users 3502, in datacenters around the world, and the like. The gameservers 3414 can include an application that serves as the centraldistribution point for gamers playing game titles against each other.

Such a central application directing information can also be known asthe game server or the dedicated game server (e.g., if no user use thesame machine for end-user gaming at the same time). In the OrionFramework, the exemplary system and method can be configured for dealingwith dedicated servers for statistical data collection.

The game server machines 3414, upon successful completion of a gamematch, can be configured to write logs to a folder that the Orion Statsdaemon can gather information from and forward the gathered data to thestats crunchers 3602.

Stats Crunchers 3602

The stats crunchers 3602 machines (FIG. 36) can be configured to processa steady stream of data arriving for treatment. The Orion stats daemonssitting on the game servers 3414 can forward the data (e.g., compressed)to the stats crunchers 3602 and based upon what game the stats have beenderived from, a selection process of relevant data can be performed. InFIG. 36, statistics processing is performed such that in order tooperate the user experience calibrated server access modules the datacan be gathered from each server 3414, for each player, and for eachsingle play. In order to process the massive amount of data, the OrionFramework can have, for example, three independent statistical datacrunchers 3602 dissecting the logs and log streaming data from each gameserver 3414 instance. Then all the relevant data 3 604 is injected intothe database cloud 3410.

Once the correct data is identified and separated, the data 3604 can bestored for database bulk insertions. The stats crunchers 3602 machinescan be configured to be very powerful with massive CPUs (e.g., with 4Dual AMD 64-bit Opteron per machine) so as to handle the very mathintensive statistics crunching job.

DB Platform 3410

The Orion database platform 3410 is where the bulk inserts take place.The statistical data 3604 gathered can be appended to the users thatplayed the relevant server 3414. The database platform 3410 can beconfigured to provide, for example, up to 3000 transactions per secondper node, and can be top tuned for the Orion network.

Enduser Scenario (FIGS. 35 and 37-38)

In an end-user scenario, for example, an end-user 3502 can look at alist of Unreal Tournament 2004 (UT2004) servers and find 2 types in themasterbrowser 3402 grid, which includes servers 3414 that are outsidethe network of the exemplary system and method, and servers 3414 thatare inside the network of the exemplary system and method (FIG. 37,e.g., designated by a yellow band).

The game servers 3414 inside the network of the exemplary system andmethod that have the colored band can include an additional set ofinformation that the outside servers need not employ. The Orion serversthat are listed can include a color designation listed next to them fordescribing how the individual user looking at the servers compares tothe other players on those servers. The calculation made to determinehow the user compares to the current players on the servers is done bycomparing the skill level 3506 of the user 3502 based on the statisticalinformation that the exemplary system and method has gathered on theuser while playing, as compared to the average dataset from the sameinformation 3510 of the players on a given game server 3414 (FIG. 35).

In FIGS. 35-38, an experience calibrated server access is provided, suchthat when the servers are displayed in the Master Browser 3402 they allhave an icon 3702 showing what average experience level the currentusers on the server have relative to the player 3502 who is viewing theMaster Browser 3402. A legend 3512 shows what the player 3502 can expectby joining the server 3414, wherein if the indicator is grey, the useris barred from even accessing the server at all, as it would simply beunfair to the users currently on the server and therefore they areprotected against players with much higher experience to join and killthem all. Accordingly, the level bar 3512 (FIGS. 37-38) can be addedwith corresponding color codes to inform the user 3502 of what kind ofgaming experience the user 3502 can expect when joining a given gameserver 3414 (e.g., if the game server is not blocked).

Dynamic Multiplayer Server Component Auto Deployment and AggregationSystem (FIG. 39)

The server launching component (FIG. 39) is configured for anticipatingwhat the demand is for the end-users 3502. The launching system can beconfigured to be self correcting, self healing, can employ advancedalgorithms, can determine when and what game server type (e.g.,instances) to deploy, and the like. In FIG. 39, dynamic server launchingcan include a dynamic multiplayer server component auto deployment andaggregation system. The system operates on a base-line with all gamespresent. As a game titles start to fill up, the system begins to launchservers 3414 for that title (and the game type) based on predefinedtriggers and pre-emptive algorithms. The system also takes into accounthow many user defined game instances have been launched and keepspersistent state data for all users and servers inside the OrionFramework.

AMS Central Nexus 3904

The AMS central nexus system 3904 is configured to hold theself-adapting scaling algorithms used by the Orion Network to determinewhen and where to execute applications (e.g., game instances). The AMScentral nexus system 3904 can be configured as set of servers that storedata on the Orion Database 3410. The AMS central nexus system 3904 alsocan function as the monitoring system to verify data coming in from theAMS Proxy Nodes 3406.

AMS Proxy Nodes 3906

The AMS proxy nodes 3906 can be configured as servers that serve as thedistribution link for the AMS Central Nexus 3904. The AMS proxy nodes3906 can communicate directly to the AMS Client Daemon 3908. The AMSproxy nodes 3906 machines can be configured to scan all suitable gameservers 3414 at all suitable times to retrieve data needed for othersystems, such as the Master Browser 3402, and the like. The datagathered by the AMS proxy nodes 3906 can be used by publishers anddevelopers for deep analysis regarding their respective game titles andhow they perform. The AMS Proxy nodes 3906 can be configured as a directlink with the game servers 3414.

AMS Client Daemon 3908

The AMS client daemon 3908 can be configured as a small piece of coderesiding on the game servers 3414. The AMS client daemon 3908 can takethe encrypted commands sent by the AMS system and execute the commandson a respective game machine 3414. The AMS client daemon 3908 code canbe configured to run on various Operating Systems (e.g., includingLinux, Windows, etc.). The AMS client daemon 3908 can be configured as aservices agent doing few transactions on a server 3414, to a full-blowninterface doing all communication securely, reliably and asynchronouswith the main control system, and the like.

Game Servers 3414

The game servers 3414 can be configured as high-end dual CPU basedrack-mounted servers with custom made OS (e.g., when Linux is employed)or Microsoft Windows running in a custom configuration (e.g., SCIbased). The game servers 3414 retrieve game titles from a storagedevice, as needed.

Usage Algorithm 3902

The usage algorithm 3902 is employed for continuously updating thedata-set based on various parameters, such as month, day, time, season,game title releases, news and movie feature time proximity, patchreleases, ladders/tournaments interaction, instance critical massmarker, other factors that influences the employed game type instancesat any given point, and the like.

DB Platform 3410

The Orion database platform 3410 is the brain (together with the AMSsystem) of the exemplary system and method. In the Orion databaseplatform 3410, all data relevant to a user resides. The Orion databaseplatform 3410 can provide up to 3000 transactions per second per node,and can be top tuned for the network of the exemplary system and method.

Lobby Centric Simultaneous and Collaborative Client Game Play Launching(FIG. 40)

This component can be configured as a lobby centric, simultaneous andcollaborative client game play launching feature working acrossmultiplayer games.

User Chooses to Launch with Team/Friends (Step 4002)

In operation, a user locates a game in the master browser he/she wantsto play. From here (or from top menu), the end-user can choose to launcha custom game server (e.g., game instance) or a game over the Game AreaNetwork (GAN). Once the game type is chosen, the quick launch controlscreen appears. This is the place where the user can either choose tolaunch a pre-configured solution that matches the users wish or decideto setup the server with more parameters available. Once the game typepre-choices are selected, the user can now access the invitation screento setup a team vs. team skirmish on a hosted server or GAN environmentof the exemplary system and method or simply invite other people fromthe game type specific chat channel or known user list.

Choosing What Team/Friends or Chat Room Users to Invite to Lobby (Step4004)

In this screen mode, the users from a team list, a known users list, acurrent chat room, and the like, show up. If users get invited to play agame, they receive a popup bubble with the information of the launchsequence they are invited to. They can accept or deny the gameinvitation. Once accepted, they are placed in the launch specific chatchannel. This is also where everyone will end up once the skirmish ormatch is completed.

Choosing Game and Type (Step 4006)

This allows the game originator to change the game type, even afterpeople are invited. This allows for people playing many game types tohave more interactive launch sessions.

The Custom Lobby with Users Collaboratively Decides the Final Parameters(Step 4008)

After being invited and accepting invitation to the game lobby, theusers can now discuss how the game instance (e.g., dedicated gameserver) should look and how it should be configured. For example, thisis where the MOD (modification), map rotation and voice serverconfiguration can be decided. Once agreed, the originator (also referredto as the game launch commander) of the game server setup, also known asthe inviter, can send a command to the exemplary system and method tobuild the server with the requested parameters. Once the game server isbuilt and ready for launch, the team finally decides if they are readyto deploy.

Countdown to Server Launch (Step 4010)

At this point the game instance (e.g., dedicated game server or GANnetwork) has completed its 30-45 sec building sequence and is ready todeploy. The launch commander executes the deployment and the users areput into a 5-10 second countdown. If at this point users wish to abortthe joining of that server, they can still avoid the client side gameexecution up until the final countdown is completed.

Launch Keys Transferred

Once the countdown sequence is completed, the exemplary system andmethod transfers command codes securely to all the people in the lobbythat are supposed to join the game. The encrypted data stream sent tothe Client application of the exemplary system and method sitting on theend-users desktop informs the game being launched of the correctparameters and initiates the voice control system, if it was requested(and not already in use).

On-Game Menu System (FIGS. 67-71)

This component allows for on-game communication and controls through theon-game menu system. This technology is essentially a multi-layeredinterface on top of the game that allows data to flow to the end-usersimultaneous with the game in progress. This menu system can be calledat any time while inside the game on the client machine. The technologyis called by a hotkey (key combination) and then appears on top of thegame in progress.

Using the On-Game Menu System 6702 (FIG. 67)

The menu 6702, when called with hotkey, allows the end-user to choosebetween several options to assist the user with retrieving data orcommunicate with friends on the IM network. The options include; Chat,Voice controls, Remote Server control (RCON), information retrieval viaweb browser interface and a strategy interface to retrieve data aboutthe game in real-time.

Technology Behind On-Game Interface

In order to provide the end-user with the options available from theon-game menu selection, the technology is using several uniqueproperties of the Windows operating system and access to high-endgraphics accelerator hardware via the GPU (Graphic Processing Unit)interface. It is capable of interfacing through DirectX 8, DirectX 9,OpenGL 1 and OpenGL 2. This covers the majority of the underlyingtechnologies used for video games in the market today. The technology ismulti-threaded and is dual-core CPU (Computing Processing Unit) aware.That means that the On-game technology uses its ability to detectmulti-core CPU based hardware and utilize the acquired information toplace the processing power needed to operate the On-game technology onthe least used CPU core. Being multi-threaded furthermore allows theindividual frame-rate of the on-game technology to stay independent ofthe videogame frame-rate and deliver smooth and accurate rendering atany time inside the videogame. The web browser interface re-projectsdata into the On-game interface as images with hot-zones to makenavigating the web content possible. This unique part of the On-gamesystem allows users to retrieve data from the World Wide Web andinteract with the data while still in control of display size of thepresented data.

On-Game Chat Interface 6802 (FIG. 68)

This On-game Menu option allows users to instant message their friendsand team-mates via the AIM and ICQ network. It allows the end-user toopen multiple conversations in real-time and receives chat traffic whilein-game. The system furthermore has the ability to notify a user when amessage is sent to the end-user while end-user is currently engaged inplaying the video game. This interface is an extension of the ability ofthe exemplary system and method to do the same outside the video gamewhen using the client of the exemplary system and method.

On-Game VOIP Admin Interface 6902 (FIG. 69)

While an end-user can initiate VOIP while preparing the launch from theclient of the exemplary system and method before entering into a videogame, the user can in addition now control the created voice channels ifso permitted by the access levels set on the team management interfacein the exemplary system and method. The end-user can now move peoplebetween channels, kick users, ban users and mute un-wanted communicationfrom users not following the intended use of the VOIP system. Thisinterface is likewise completely accessible while playing the game.

On-Game RCON Interface

This interface, also available from the On-Game menu, will allow theend-users with the correct administrative permissions for the video gamein progress, to interact with the server to control map cycles, kickingusers, banning users, changing game play and game specific MOD (Modifiedgaming content) while the video game in progress.

On-Game Information (INFO) Interface 7002 (FIG. 70)

The ability to retrieve live data from the web while inside the videogame while in progress is very important to most video game players. Itallows the user to gain access to statistics, general communitygenerated game specific data and any number of data that assist theend-user in the experience. This also allows Developers and Publishersto transmit data to the end-user about upcoming events or even life datafrom tournaments, ladders and leagues. With the ability to visit anydestination on the web while emerged in video game play is a massiveenhancement to most games.

On-Game Strategy Information Screen 7102 (FIG. 71)

This interface allows end-users to retrieve game specific informationregarding the video game they currently are engaged with. The ability toretrieve walkthroughs, general game guides and cheats (developerimplemented codes to gain special attributes above normal game playfeatures like GOD or FULL AMMO mode) allows the user to stay in game andstill have access to relevant information about the game. The Videodisplay section allows a user to view all video related material for thevideo game in real-time (e.g., streamed from media servers of theexemplary system and method, Publisher or content provider mediaservers, etc.). It allows the end-user to view trailers, videowalkthrough and general game play (including end-user created andrecorded content) on top of the game while video game is in progress.This interface also allows the exemplary system and method to streamlive events such as tournaments directly into the video game while theend-user participates or just view the tournament.

On-Game Advertising Serving

The on-game multi-layered display capabilities can also display and richmulti-media data directly into the game without any end-userinteraction. This allows the Publisher to display streaming video ads ofnext generation games while the end-user is still playing the game.

The above-described devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodimentscan include, for example, any suitable servers, workstations, PCs,laptop computers, PDAs, Internet appliances, handheld devices, cellulartelephones, wireless devices, other devices, and the like, capable ofperforming the processes of the exemplary embodiments. The devices andsubsystems of the exemplary embodiments can communicate with each otherusing any suitable protocol and can be implemented using one or moreprogrammed computer systems or devices.

One or more interface mechanisms can be used with the exemplaryembodiments, including, for example, Internet access, telecommunicationsin any suitable form (e.g., voice, modem, and the like), wirelesscommunications media, and the like. For example, employed communicationsnetworks or links can include one or more wireless communicationsnetworks, cellular communications networks, G3 communications networks,Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTNs), Packet Data Networks (PDNs),the Internet, intranets, a combination thereof, and the like.

It is to be understood that the devices and subsystems of the exemplaryembodiments are for exemplary purposes, as many variations of thespecific hardware used to implement the exemplary embodiments arepossible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevantart(s). For example, the functionality of one or more of the devices andsubsystems of the exemplary embodiments can be implemented via one ormore programmed computer systems or devices.

To implement such variations as well as other variations, a singlecomputer system can be programmed to perform the special purposefunctions of one or more of the devices and subsystems of the exemplaryembodiments. On the other hand, two or more programmed computer systemsor devices can be substituted for any one of the devices and subsystemsof the exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, principles and advantages ofdistributed processing, such as redundancy, replication, and the like,also can be implemented, as desired, to increase the robustness andperformance of the devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments.

The devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments can storeinformation relating to various processes described herein. Thisinformation can be stored in one or more memories, such as a hard disk,optical disk, magneto-optical disk, RAM, and the like, of the devicesand subsystems of the exemplary embodiments. One or more databases ofthe devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments can store theinformation used to implement the exemplary embodiments of the presentinventions. The databases can be organized using data structures (e.g.,records, tables, arrays, fields, graphs, trees, lists, and the like)included in one or more memories or storage devices listed herein. Theprocesses described with respect to the exemplary embodiments caninclude appropriate data structures for storing data collected and/orgenerated by the processes of the devices and subsystems of theexemplary embodiments in one or more databases thereof.

All or a portion of the devices and subsystems of the exemplaryembodiments can be conveniently implemented using one or more generalpurpose computer systems, microprocessors, digital signal processors,micro-controllers, and the like, programmed according to the teachingsof the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the computer and software arts.Appropriate software can be readily prepared by programmers of ordinaryskill based on the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the software art. Further, the devicesand subsystems of the exemplary embodiments can be implemented on theWorld Wide Web. In addition, the devices and subsystems of the exemplaryembodiments can be implemented by the preparation ofapplication-specific integrated circuits or by interconnecting anappropriate network of conventional component circuits, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the electrical art(s). Thus, theexemplary embodiments are not limited to any specific combination ofhardware circuitry and/or software.

Stored on any one or on a combination of computer readable media, theexemplary embodiments of the present inventions can include software forcontrolling the devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments, fordriving the devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments, forenabling the devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments tointeract with a human user, and the like. Such software can include, butis not limited to, device drivers, firmware, operating systems,development tools, applications software, and the like. Such computerreadable media further can include the computer program product of anembodiment of the present inventions for performing all or a portion (ifprocessing is distributed) of the processing performed in implementingthe inventions. Computer code devices of the exemplary embodiments ofthe present inventions can include any suitable interpretable orexecutable code mechanism, including but not limited to scripts,interpretable programs, dynamic link libraries (DLLs), Java classes andapplets, complete executable programs, Common Object Request BrokerArchitecture (CORBA) objects, and the like. Moreover, parts of theprocessing of the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions can bedistributed for better performance, reliability, cost, and the like.

As stated above, the devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodimentscan include computer readable medium or memories for holdinginstructions programmed according to the teachings of the presentinventions and for holding data structures, tables, records, and/orother data described herein. Computer readable medium can include anysuitable medium that participates in providing instructions to aprocessor for execution. Such a medium can take many forms, includingbut not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, transmissionmedia, and the like. Non-volatile media can include, for example,optical or magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, and the like. Volatilemedia can include dynamic memories, and the like. Transmission media caninclude coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optics, and the like.Transmission media also can take the form of acoustic, optical,electromagnetic waves, and the like, such as those generated duringradio frequency (RF) communications, infrared (IR) data communications,and the like. Common forms of computer-readable media can include, forexample, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, anyother suitable magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other suitableoptical medium, punch cards, paper tape, optical mark sheets, any othersuitable physical medium with patterns of holes or other opticallyrecognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any othersuitable memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave or any other suitablemedium from which a computer can read.

While the present inventions have been described in connection with anumber of exemplary embodiments, and implementations, the presentinventions are not so limited, but rather cover various modifications,and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for collaborative online gaming,comprising: identifying a plurality of game servers, at least some ofwhich are configured to allow connections from devices operated by newplayers and at least some of which are configured to allow a new playerto join an ongoing game instance, wherein a game instance is aninstantiation of a game program executed by a game server and is anongoing game instance if at least one player is playing, or initiatingplay, in that game instance; gathering data relevant to one or more ofsaid players, wherein said data comprises a player rating for eachplayer for at least one game instance and at least two players currentlyusing that game instance, and a consolidated rating for that gameinstance based on the player ratings for rated players currently playingthat game instance; injecting the gathered data into a database cloudfor storing persistent state data for one or more players and gameservers; identifying a new player rating of a prospective new player,and matching the prospective new player with one or more game instanceexecuted by one or more of the plurality of game servers, wherein thematching is based on a comparison of the new player rating and theconsolidated ratings of the one or more game instances.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the consolidated rating for the game instance is anaverage of the player ratings for each player currently using the gameinstance.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one game server isa game server for a single game and at least one other game server is agame server for a plurality of games, wherein each game instance has aseparate associated consolidated rating.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein a player rating for a player is determined based on pastperformance of that player in previous executions of a game.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the player rating used in the consolidatedrating for a first game is a player rating determined based on pastperformance of the player in previous executions of a plurality ofgames, including at least a second game other than the first game. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein matching comprises: presenting theprospective new player with a list of game instances, wherein the listincludes, for each game instance on the list, an indication of theconsolidated rating for that game instance; presenting the prospectivenew player with an indication of his or her rating relative to theconsolidating ratings of available game instances; accepting an input ofa game instance selection; and issuing a command to alter the gameinstance data so that the prospective new player is added as a player inthe game instance.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprisingfiltering based on ratings, so as to prevent the prospective new playerfrom joining a game instance when the new player rating and theconsolidated rating for that game instance do not meet matchingcriteria.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein ratings are numericalvalues, wherein consolidated ratings have associated ratings ranges andwherein the matching criteria comprise a requirement that the new playerrating be within the ratings range of a consolidated rating for a gameinstance before prospective new player is allowed to join that gameinstance.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein steps are implemented bycomputer-readable instructions embedded on a computer readable mediumthat, when executed by an appropriate hardware or software processor,perform the steps.
 10. A collaborative online gaming system, implementedusing at least one game server capable of communicating with a pluralityof player devices operated by game players, the system comprising: oneor more game server, at least some of which are configured to allowconnections from devices operated by new players and at least some ofwhich are configured to allow a new player to join an ongoing gameinstance, wherein a game instance is an instantiation of a game programexecuted by the game server; logic for gathering data relevant to one ormore of said game players wherein said data comprises a player ratingfor each player for at least one game instance and at least two playerscurrently using that game instance, and a consolidated rating for thatgame instance based on the player ratings for rated players currentlyplaying that game instance; logic for injecting the gathered data into adatabase cloud for storing persistent state data for one or more playersand game servers; and logic for matching a prospective new player withone or more game instance executed by one or more of the plurality ofgame servers, wherein the matching is based on a comparison of the newplayer rating and the consolidated ratings of the one or more gameinstances.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the consolidated ratingfor the game instance is an average of the player ratings for eachplayer currently using the game instance.
 12. The system of claim 10,comprising at least one game server that is serves a single game and atleast one other game server that serves a plurality of games, whereineach game instance has a separate associated consolidated rating. 13.The system of claim 10, wherein a player rating for a player isdetermined based on past performance of that player in previousexecutions of a game.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the playerrating used in the consolidated rating for a first game is a playerrating determined based on past performance of the player in previousexecutions of a plurality of games, including at least a second gameother than the first game.
 15. The system of claim 10, furthercomprising: logic for presenting the prospective new player with a listof game instances, wherein the list includes, for each game instance onthe list, an indication of the consolidated rating for that gameinstance; logic for presenting the prospective new player with anindication of his or her rating relative to the consolidating ratings ofavailable game instances; and an interface for accepting an input of agame instance selection from a device operated by the prospective newplayer and for issuing a command to alter the game instance data so thatthe prospective new player is added as a player in the game instance.16. The system of claim 10, wherein the logic elements are implementedby computer-readable instructions embedded on a computer readable mediumthat are executable by an appropriate hardware or software processor.17. A method for collaborative online gaming, comprising: identifying aplurality of game servers, each configured to allow connections fromdevices operated by players and each configured to execute one or moreinstantiations of a game program, wherein each game instantiation, whenexecuting, serves one or more players through communication to and fromplayer-operated devices; coordinating selection among a subset of aplurality of players to form a game group comprising a plurality ofplayers; providing a communications interface to the players of a gamegroup to allow the game group to collectively determine a preferred setof game parameters; storing an agreed-upon set of game parameters in adatabase cloud for storing persistent state data for one or more playersand game servers; instantiating a game program using the agreed-upon setof game parameters; and providing a game interface for the players ofthe game group, thereby allowing for collaborative online gaming amongthe players in the game group.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein thegame group is selected based on ratings of players in the plurality ofinterested players.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein at least onegame server is configured to support a plurality of game instances and aplurality of game types.